Page 181 of Missed Notes (Rixon High 5)

It was amazing how quickly you got to know the hospital staff when you came and went every day. Nurse Jennifer and her colleague Nurse Tamsin had overheard me talking to Aaron and Ezra about wanting to do something nice for Sofia before her treatment started—or she received the news that Aaron wasn’t a donor match.

Sofia went into her small private bathroom while I pulled out the jacket I’d snuck in here. She was right, we were in a hospital, so I didn’t want to go too overboard. But I wanted to make an effort for her.

Two minutes later, the bathroom door cracked open, and she came out, taking my breath away. The dress was simple. A pale-green sweater dress that hugged every curve and complemented her skin tone and dark hair.

“Wow, you look… wow.”

A cute blush spread up her neck and into her cheeks. “Are you going to tell me what we’re doing yet?”

“You’ll see, come on.”

I took her hand to leave, but I couldn’t resist pulling her into my arms and kissing her. Burying my hands deep into her hair, I held her close, licking my tongue into her mouth.

“Cole.” She shivered, whimpering at the kiss.

Fuck.

I wanted her.

But it was impossible to get a minute’s privacy in the hospital and I didn’t want to bethatguy, the guy who couldn’t wait.

Because I could wait. I would wait a lifetime for her and then some.

“I love you, Sofe.”

She pulled away a fraction, smiling up at me. “I love you too.”

“Come on, let’s get out of here. We have somewhere to be.”

Reluctantly, I guided her out of the room and down the hall. A couple of nurses waved, a knowing glint in their eyes.

Sofia had yet to really venture out of her room. I guessed it was her safe space, her sanctuary. I guessed in here, she could pretend sometimes that things weren’t as bad as they seemed.

We reached the elevators and she glanced at me, suspicion dancing in her eyes. “Busting me out of here?”

“You know I wish I could.” Every second of every day, I wished I could take her home. But she needed to be here.

The elevator doors opened, and I gently ushered her inside. She squeezed my hand, smiling over at me.

“Are you trembling?”

“No.” Sofia rolled her eyes.

“I’m pretty sure your hand is shaking.”

“Cole, I’m not—”

“It’s okay if you’re nervous. I am a pretty hot catch.”

“Oh, is that right?” Her lips curved in a faint smile.

This was our go-to coping mechanism when the reality of things got too much. Humor. Innuendo. Flirtation.

I dipped my head to brush my mouth over hers again. “Love you.”

“Love you more.”

“Not even possible,” I argued.

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